Abortion bill letters show taoiseach his battle ahead

Most of the letters letters received by Leo Varadkar asked him to ensure that the Eighth Amendment be retainedCLODAGH KILCOYNE/REUTERS

Dozens of letters sent to the taoiseach have revealed the scale of the public opposition he faces as he seeks to have the Eighth Amendment repealed.

While the majority of the letters received by Leo Varadkar asked him to ensure that the Eighth Amendment be retained, some of the sternest criticism came from members of the public concerned about voting in favour of repeal without knowing what exact legislation would be passed afterwards.

Many said they wanted to see more than just the headings of a bill before they voted and that a second referendum should be held on any such legislation. “I am generally in favour of repealing the Eighth but, like many of my associates, I will reject it unless I know exactly…

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